The building cost system in andalusia: Application to construction and demolition waste management

During the last 25 years, a building cost system (BCS) has been developed in Andalusia, Spain. The first step was to generate the Andalusia construction information classification system (ACICS). Not only is ACICS valid as an estimation of cost, but it also provides a common method to manage information during the design and construction of buildings. Another important innovation is that this BCS defines the cost structure which distinguishes between direct and indirect cost and thereby allows a clear definition of all costs for each project type. Its most extended usage is for estimating cost in building projects and it is mandatory in public developments in Andalusia. This is the first time that this system is presented internationally and compared to others. Furthermore, the latest additions to ACICS are explained, and these take into account the waste management of reused and recycled materials in the budget estimate through a new division in the classification: Waste Management. Finally, a new way to address the cost related to construction and demolition waste management is explained which increases precision and generates an estimate independent from the general budget.